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   ages of 6 months to 18 months. If you know when her dam first went
   into heat, that will give you a good indication of what to expect with
   your puppy. It is often felt that the larger breeds take longer to
   enter heat than the smaller ones felt, but familial patterns, if
   known, are a more reliable indicator.
   
   The first signs of estrus include: a small amount of clear discharge,
   a modest swelling of the vulva (the external genital fold), and
   increased licking of the area. Some bitches have a shortened attention
   span. This period can last from 4 to 14 days. Other dogs will show an
   interest in licking the area (as opposed to just smelling it) as well.
   
   The next stage includes bloody discharge, which can be anything from a
   few spots of blood to leaving a trail behind as they go, and increased
   swelling of the vulva. The nipples will enlargen somewhat. This period
   can last anywhere from 4-14 days as well. At the end of this stage,
   the vulva is at maximal size.
   
   At this point the bitch is fertile and ready to be bred, and will
   accept male dogs. This stage lasts for several days. After the first
   heat cycle, the bitch's vulva and nipples will shrink down, but not to
   the puppy size that they were before.
   
   However, there is much individual variation. Some bitches can show
   little or no sign of being in season throughout much of their estrus
   cycle. Some will always accept male dogs (even when they are not yet
   fertile) and others never accept them.
   
   Spaying is generally done when the bitch is not in season. The
   increased vascularity (higher blood flow) in the organs makes the
   operation more risky. In addition, such an operation would alter the
   balance of hormones in the dog's body rather abruptly, a potential
   source of problems. However, it can be done, and often is if the bitch
   winds up unintentionally pregnant, for example.
   
  Dogs
  
   Male puppies are born with undescended testicles, just like human
   males. Somewhere between 4 months to a year, the testicles will
   descend, although you should be able to feel the testicles from about
   7 weeks onward. At about this time the levels of testosterone are
   peaking. An intact male dog between 10 and 12 months of age has about
   five times the testosterone level he will have in his final adult
   intensity, if he is not neutered!
   
   Male puppies will urinate like female puppies (by squatting) until
   about the time their testicles descend, and then will generally start
   to urinate standing up. Initial confusion is normal at this stage: be
   prepared for the puppy to raise the wrong leg, try to raise both legs,
   try to walk at the same time, or even try to use people as a "post"!
   You can encourage him to restrict his marking by praising him when he
   marks an acceptable item and scolding him when he is not. Discourage
   him from marking when you are on a walk; get him to mark around your
   yard as much as possible. (Marking, as opposed to urinating, is when
   only a small amount of urine is deposited.) Neutering early may or may
   not affect this behavior.
   
   If a dog has only one testicle, he is monorchid. If he has one
   undescended testicle, he is cryptorchid (unilateral); two undescended
   and he is cryptorchid (bilateral). Popular but incorrect usage calls
   the dog with one undescended testicle monorchid and two undescended
   cryptorchid. Granted, you may not be able to tell whether a dog is
   monorchid or has unlateral cryporchidsm without exploratory surgery.
   Undescended testicles often become cancerous and should be removed.
   Furthermore, such dogs should not be bred since the condition is
   hereditary.
   
  Further Reading
  
   From a MedLine search:
   
   TI: Questions and answers on the effects of surgically neutering dogs
   and cats.
   AU: Johnston-SD
   SO: J-Am-Vet-Med-Assoc. 1991 Apr 1; 198(7): 1206-14
   
   TI: Effects of neutering and spaying on the behavior of dogs and cats:
   questions and answers about practical concerns.
   AU: Hart-BL
   SO: J-Am-Vet-Med-Assoc. 1991 Apr 1; 198(7): 1204-5
   
   TI: Gonadectomy in immature dogs: effects on skeletal, physical, and
   behavioral development.
   AU: Salmeri-KR; Bloomberg-MS; Scruggs-SL; Shille-V
   SO: J-Am-Vet-Med-Assoc. 1991 Apr 1; 198(7): 1193-203
   
   TI: Implications of early neutering in the dog and cat.
   AU: Stubbs-WP; Bloomberg-MS
   SO: Semin-Vet-Med-Surg-Small-Anim. 1995 Feb; 10(1): 8-12
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Skin Problems

   Remember that a dog's skin is composed of only one layer, so it is
   much more delicate than a human's skin, which has three layers. A
   dog's skin depends on the hair and oils on it to keep it in good
   condition.
   
   Some preventive steps:
     * Keep your dog properly fed to prevent dry skin
     * When bathing your dog, use dog-formulated shampoo to prevent dry
       skin
     * Groom your dog regularly; some problems are caused by matted hair
       providing breeding grounds for a variety of skin diseases, regular
       grooming also helps keep you aware of any incipient problems
     * Keep your dog flea and parasite free
     * Check your dog regularly for foxtails, burrs, and other sharp
       objects it may pick up when outside
       
  Relieving dry skin
  
   Some things to try:
     * Shampoos with lanolin
     * A good soak in cool water
     * Non-drying shampoo: eg, Hy-Lyt EFA is non-allergenic
     * Medicated shampoos may help with allergy-induced problems
     * Avon's Skin-So-Soft(tm) added to the rinse water
       
  Allergies followed by staph infections
  
   Once a dog has an allergic reaction, it is quite common to have a
   secondary staph infection. Many vets aren't familiar with this. The
   staph infection may stay around long after the allergy is gone.
   
   A vet that specializes in dermatology can be of great help in dealing
   with skin problems. See if your vet can refer you to such a person.
   
   Some studies on primrose and fish oil in helping relieve or cure
   secondary infections from allergies are documented in DM, March 1992.
   More information may also be obtained from writing to the RVC
   Dermatology Dept, Royal College St, London. NW1.
   
  Summary table
  
   It is beyond the scope of this FAQ to examine any of these skin
   problems in great detail, but here is a summary table of possible
   problems. Summarized from the summary tables in Carlson & Giffin,
   pages 67-69.
   
    Itchy Skin Disorders
    
Name          Symptoms
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scabies     | *intense* itching, small red spots, typical crusty ear tips
------------+----------------------------------------------------------------
Walking     | puppies 2-12wks, dry flakes move from head to neck to back,
Dandruff    | mild itchiness
------------+----------------------------------------------------------------
Fleas       | itching/scratching on back, tail, hindquarters
------------+----------------------------------------------------------------
Lice        | on poorly kept/matted coat dogs, uncommon, may have bald spots
------------+----------------------------------------------------------------
Ticks       | irritation at site of bite, often beneath ear flaps or thin skin
------------+----------------------------------------------------------------
Damp Hay    | severe itch from worm larvae, contacted from damp marsh hay
Itch        | (regional)
------------+----------------------------------------------------------------
Inhalation  | severe itch, face rubbing, licking paws, seasonal
Allergy     | also regional
------------+----------------------------------------------------------------
Flea Allergy| scratching continues after fleas killed, pimple rash
Dermatitis  |
------------+----------------------------------------------------------------
Contact     | itching/irritation at site of contact
Dermatitis  |
------------+----------------------------------------------------------------
Allergic    | repeated or continuous contact (eg flea collar),
Contact Derm.   rash may spread
------------+----------------------------------------------------------------
Lick sores  | "boredom sores", licking starts at wrists/ankles
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Hormone-related Hair Loss or Poor Hair Growth
    
Name          Symptoms
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thyroid     | loss of hair
Deficiency  | (see Canine Ailments)
------------+----------------------------------------------------------------
Cortisone   | hair loss in symmetrical pattern, esp. trunk, skin is thin
Excess      | may also be from steroid treatments
------------+----------------------------------------------------------------
Estrogen    | greasy hair, hair loss in flanks/abdomen, wax in ears, loss of
excess      | hair around genitals, enlargened nipples, dry skin, brittle hair
------------+----------------------------------------------------------------
Estrogen    | scanty hair growth, smooth soft skin
deficiency  |
------------+----------------------------------------------------------------
Acanthosis  | hair loss in armpit folds, black thick greasy rancid skin
Nigrans     |
------------+----------------------------------------------------------------
Seborrhea   | "dandruff", hair/skin oily, yellow brown scales on skin,
            | resembles ringworm
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Other Hair Loss, etc
    
Name          Symptoms
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Collie Nose | sunburn on lightly pigmented nose, loss of hair next to nose
------------+----------------------------------------------------------------
Ringworm    | scaly/crusty/red circular patches .5-2in diameter w/hair loss
            | in center and red margin at edge (not from a worm)
------------+----------------------------------------------------------------
Demodectic  | hair loss around eyelids, mouth, front leg, young dogs
mange #1    |
------------+----------------------------------------------------------------
Demodectic  | progression of #1, patches enlarge & coalesce, pyoderma
mange #2    | complications, affects all ages
------------+----------------------------------------------------------------
Calluses,   | gray/hairless/wrinkled skin over elbow, pressure points
elbow sores |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

    With Pus Drainage (Pyoderma)
    
Name          Symptoms
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puppy       | impetigo: pus filled blisters, crusty hairless skin
Dermatitis  | on abdomen, groin; acne: purple-red bumps on chin, lower lip
------------+----------------------------------------------------------------
Hair pore   | pimple-like bumps on back, sometimes draining sinus,
infection   | hair loss
------------+----------------------------------------------------------------
Skin Wrinkle| inflamed skin, foul odor in lip fold, facial fold,
Infection   | vulvar fold, tail fold
------------+----------------------------------------------------------------
Hot Spots   | in heavy coated dogs, painful inflamed patches of skin with
            | a wet, pus covered surface from which hair is lost
------------+----------------------------------------------------------------
Cellulitis  | painful hot inflamed skin (wound infections, foreign bodies,
            | breaks in skin)
------------+----------------------------------------------------------------
Abscesses   | pockets of pus beneath the skin, swells, comes to a head & drains
------------+----------------------------------------------------------------
Puppy       | under 4mos, sudden painful swelling of lips, eyelids,
Strangles   | ears and face, draining sores, crusts, and sinus tracts
            | (prompt vet attention required, do not pop "acne")
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Lumps or Bumps on/beneath Skin
    
   (all lumps should be checked by vet even if not apparently painful)
Name          Symptoms
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Papillomas, | anywhere, including mouth, not painful
Warts       | can look like chewing gum stuck to skin
------------+----------------------------------------------------------------
Hematomas   | (bruises) - esp. on ears, from trauma
------------+----------------------------------------------------------------
Tender Knots| esp. at site of shot or vaccination, painful
------------+----------------------------------------------------------------
Cysts       | smooth lumps beneath skin, slow growth, possible cheesy
            | discharge, possible infection, otherwise not painful
------------+----------------------------------------------------------------
Possibly    | rapid growth, hard & fixed to surrounding tissue,
cancerous   | any lump from a bone, starts to bleed, a mole that spreads or
lump        | ulcerates, open sores that do not heal (only way to tell for
            | sure is a biopsy)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Diagnosing
  
   Skin problems are not easy to diagnose and cure, but there is a lot of
   research going on. Something that can help is to keep a diary for the
   dog. Every day, record what the dog ate, what the weather was like,
   whether it is itching or not, and anything else that might be relevant
   (visitors, for instance, when it is bathed, and so forth). It's
   sometimes hard to recall all the variables that might be affecting the
   dog, but if you keep a diary, sometimes patterns become very clear.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Temperature

   Normal temperature range for a dog is 100 to 103 degrees Fahrenheit.
   Because dogs regulate their temperature less efficiently than people
   do, there is more variation in "normal" temperature. Your dog's
   temperature will be higher just after exercise, on a hot day, while
   snuggled under a blanket, etc.
   
   Dogs' temperatures are normally taken rectally. Try a digital read-out
   rectal thermometer, available at any drug store. Put a little Vaseline
   or KY Jelly on the tip, insert gently into the rectum (not too far),
   and hold for a minute or so. The digital model has a beeper that goes
   off when "done." The thermometer is easy to clean with soap & water or
   wipe with alcohol.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Trimming Nails

   Most dogs need to have nails trimmed at some point. While the vet will
   often clip them for you, many dogs need their nails trimmed more often
   than that to prevent injuries and other problems associated with
   overgrown nails.
   
     A tip: Look for illustrations of dog nails. Most dog care books
     will have one. Cardinal (a dog products vendor) provides a small
     poster that illustrates not only normal nail clipping but also how
     to gradually work back the length of nails that have grown too long
     and is quite informative.
     
  Clipping
  
   Use nail clippers available at pet stores. Look for the guillotine
   type (don't use the human variety, this will crush and injure your
   dog's nail) and get blade replacements as the sharper the blade is the
   easier this procedure is. There is another kind that looks like
   scissors with hooked tips that are also good, and may be easier to
   handle (however, the blades cannot be replaced on this type).
   
   Before cutting the nails, examine them carefully. If the nails are are
   white, the difference between the nail and the pink quick is easy to
   see (use good lighting). If the nails are dark, it will be much harder
   to tell where the quick is, in which case you must take care.
   
   If your dog resists having its nails trimmed, try trimming them while
   you sit on a couch with the dog on its back in your lap. By putting
   the dog on its back, you make the nails accessible and put the dog in
   a submissive position where they are less apt to fight. As with many
   things, this is easiest if you start while your dog is still a pup.
   
   If the cutter is sharp, the nails won't crack if you cut at right
   angles to the nail. that is, hold it so that the blades are on the top
   and bottom of the nail, not to the sides of the nail.
   
   Do not cut below the quick. It will be painful to your dog and bleed
   everywhere. When in doubt, trim less of the nail. It will just mean
   trimming more often. Clip the portion above the quick for each nail
   and don't forget the dewclaws. Keep a styptic pencil on hand to
   staunch any blood flow. Flour or cornstarch will help in a pinch.
   
   Dewclaws are a "fifth" toe, positioned as a "thumb" to the rest of the
   nails and they do not touch the ground. Not all dogs have them, and
   they may be found on the front legs only or on all four legs. Many
   dogs have their dewclaws removed when they are puppies to prevent
   infection resulting from easily injured dewclaws. Some adult dogs that
   regularly tear their dewclaws should have them removed. While they
   take longer to heal than three-day old puppies that have had theirs
   removed do, the pain of periodically tearing them and going in to the
   vet to have them bandaged back up makes the surgery worth while.
   
  Grinding
  
   The nail grinder avoids the potential problems of cutting the quick,
   nails cracking, and sharp edges afterwards. The nails can also be
   thinned, allowing the quick to recede, resulting in shorter nails and
   a tighter paw.
   
   RC Steele and other mail-order companies sell them for about $45. One
   model is the Oster Pet Nail Groomer, Model 129, with two speeds. Some
   dogs may be spooked by the noise. It may help to watch someone who
   knows how to use it first.
   
  Filing
  
   You can use a wood rasp and file your dog's nails down. Also, if you
   clip them, using a plain file afterwards helps smooth the edges down
   and keep them neat. You can use "people files" or purchase files
   shaped for this purpose.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Vaccinations

  Regularly scheduled shots
  
   An indispensable part of keeping your dog healthy is to keep its
   vaccinations up-to-date. A table, lifted from Carlson & Giffin, shows
   all the major vaccinations (at minimum) that a dog in the US should
   have. Conditions in your area may necessitate additional shots; ask
   your vet about them as they may not always be routinely included in
   normal shot programs. DHLPP is a combination shot: Distemper, (Canine)
   Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, (Canine) Parainfluenza, (Canine) Parvovirus.
 Age                Vaccine Recommended
--------------------------------------------------------------
5-8 wks           | Distemper - measles - CPI
------------------+-------------------------------------------
14-16 wks         | DHLPP, Rabies
------------------+-------------------------------------------
12 mos & annually | DHLPP
------------------+-------------------------------------------
12 mos &          | Rabies
3 yr intervals    |
--------------------------------------------------------------

  Vaccination failure
  
   Vaccinations may fail under the following conditions:
     * vaccinations are improperly administered (should always be by or
       supervised by a vet)
     * the dog has some innate inability to respond
     * the dog has already been exposed to the disease in question
     * the puppy is too young for the vaccination to "take"
       
  Other vaccines
  
   Not an exhaustive list: Other vaccines and preventives should also be
   given such as heartworm, Lyme disease, etc, when needed. Heartworm
   prevention should begin around 5 months, but then it depends on where
   you live. Those living in warmer, damper areas with higher
   concentration of heartworm may want to start earlier. Lyme disease
   vaccine instructions recommend giving it around 12 weeks; Bordatella
   vaccines (for Kennel cough) around 6 months or earlier depending on
   risk.
   
  Vaccine overload?
  
   Be sure your dog is safe and vaccinated against everything you think
   the dog may be exposed to, however, don't overload its system! You can
   do more harm than good by vaccinating your dog for everything all at
   once than if you stagger the vaccinations and let the individual
   immunities build up gradually.
   
   For some interesting material on new suggested vaccination protocols,
   see: http://www.cvmbs.colostate.edu/vth/savp2.html.
   
  Up-to-date on shots?
  
   Do you know what it means when your vet tells you your dog has ALL its
   shots? Chances are, your dog isn't. Stay informed and read up in some
   of the dog literature about what types of vaccinations your dog should
   have. Then make sure your vet has administered vaccines for the
   appropriate things -- it's up to YOU to make sure your dog has *all*
   its shots, not your vet.
   
   For an interesting article on vaccinations, see the May 1992 issue of
   Dog World. Another thoughtful article by Christine Wilford, DVM is in
   Gazette, January 1994.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Vomiting

   One of the most common and non-specific symptoms that a dog can have.
   You must look at how and what it is vomiting. If your dog vomits once
   or twice and then seems its normal self, it is probably not serious.
   
  Non-serious causes
  
   (summarized from Carlson & Giffin)
   
   Most commonly: overeating. Animals that gulp their food and
   immediately exercise (esp. puppies) are likely to vomit. This is not
   serious. Feeding in smaller portions more often helps eliminate this
   problem. In particular, if the vomit looks like a solid tube of
   partially or non digested food, your dog ate too fast.
   
   Note that eating grass or other indigestible material is also a common
   cause of vomiting.
   
  Types of vomiting
  
   (summarized from Carlson & Giffin)
   
   Repeated vomiting:
          Its last meal is first vomited. Then a clear, frothy liquid.
          This suggests a stomach irritant. Grass, spoiled food, other
          indigestibles, and certain infectious illnesses (such as
          gastroenteritis) all cause irritation of the stomach lining.
          
   Sporadic vomiting:
          The dog vomits off and on, but not continuously. No
          relationship to meals, poor appetite. Haggard appearance and
          listlessness may indicate an internal organ disorder, a chronic
          illness, a heavy worm infestation, or diabetes. A thorough
          checkup is called for.
          
   Vomiting blood:
          Fresh blood indicates a break in the mucus lining somewhere
          between the mouth and the upper small bowel. Common causes are
          foreign bodies, tumors and ulcers. Material which looks like
          coffee grounds is old, partly digested blood -- the problem is
          somewhere in the stomach or duodenum. Vomiting blood is always
          serious and requires a trip to the vet.
          
   Fecal vomiting:
          If the vomit is foul and smells like feces, there is an
          obstruction somewhere in the intestinal tract. Blunt or
          penetrating abdominal trauma is another cause. The dog will
          become rapidly dehydrated with this type of vomiting and
          requires vet attention.
          
   Projectile vomiting:
          The vomit is forcefully expelled, sometimes for a distance of
          several feet. It is indicative of complete blockage in the
          upper gastrointestinal tract. Foreign bodies, hairballs,
          duodenal ulcers, tumors and strictures are possible causes.
          Intracranial pressure can also cause projectile vomiting,
          causes can be brain tumor, encephalitis, and blood clots. Take
          the dog to the vet.
          
   Vomiting foreign objects:
          Includes bone splinters, rubber balls, (pieces of) toys, sticks
          and stones. Sometimes worms. You may want to have the vet check
          your pet for any other foreign objects, although not all of
          these will show up readily on x-ray scans.
          
   Emotional or Stress vomiting:
          Sometimes excited or upset dogs vomit. Remove the dog from the
          source of distress. If it is something it will encounter often,
          you will have to train the dog to remain calm around the
          source.
          
   Motion sickness:
          Vomits in the car. Most dogs will outgrow this problem. Check
          with your vet if it does not. See Carsickness in Assorted
          Topics for further comments.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
Worms

  Summary
  
Worm          Symptoms
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
roundworms  | pot belly, dull coat, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of weight
------------+----------------------------------------------------------------
hookworms   | anemia, diarrhea, bloody stools (esp. puppies)
------------+----------------------------------------------------------------
tapeworms   | "rice" on anal area or in stools, possible diarrhea/vomiting
------------+----------------------------------------------------------------
whipworms   | loss of weight, some diarrhea, difficult to detect
------------+----------------------------------------------------------------
threadworms | profuse watery diarrhea, lung infection symptoms (esp. puppies)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

  Preventing worms
  
   (summarized from Carlson & Giffin.)
   
   The best way to deal with worms, of course, is to make use of worm
   prevention techniques.
   
   Most worms have a lifecycle that makes it easy to reinfest dogs
   because only part of that lifecycle is on the dog. Steps you can take
   to control worms in general:
     * If you have a kennel, do not use dirt. A water tight surface that
       can be hosed down is best; gravel works also. Remove stools from
       pens daily.
     * Lawns should be kept short and watered only when necessary. Remove
       stools from the yard daily.
     * Control fleas, lice, and rodents, as all these pests can be
       intermediate hosts for tapeworms.
     * Do not let your dog roam, as it may ingest tainted meat. Any meat
       fed to your dog must be thoroughly cooked.
       
  Puppies
  
   Most puppies have worms, as some immunity to worms only comes after
   six months of ages and the mother will infect them with her dormant
   worm larvae. Puppies should be wormed at 2-3 weeks and again at 4-6
   weeks. You should be especially vigilant for worms while your puppy is
   still growing; a bad case of worms can seriously interfere with its
   development. Bring fresh fecal samples in regularly to the vet for
   analysis.
     _________________________________________________________________
   
   
    Health Care Issues FAQ
    Cindy Tittle Moore, cindy@k9web.com
    
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